This was my first review for the The Hardware Corner, so I was a bit excited when I wrote it. Since Yolk wasn’t able to let the THC forum members hardware to review, we have decided that we’ll start with our own hardware. So I’ve decided to start writing a review of my latest acquisition, the Microsoft Internet Keyboard OEM.
I’ve used a lot of keyboards since 1997, and, being quite picky when it comes to these input devices, I’ve had the opportunity of using about 5 keyboards, some of ‘em which I had fond memory of, some of ‘em not. But I can tell you, from my experience, Microsoft Keyboard and mouse are up there among the best, although it’s not cheap, but definitely worth the buy. I remembered that when I was in college, I used to get into fight with my friends to use the Microsoft Mouse in AutoCAD class (there were only a handful of ‘em then). I’ve also seen one heavily battered Microsoft Natural Keyboard lying in one obscure corner in my former office, but still, the buttons felt as if it just came out of the factory yesterday.
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little bit of history. Microsoft Internet Keyboard is one of the budget keyboards in Microsoft’s range of keyboards, including the first ergonomic keyboard, the Microsoft Natural Keyboard that featured split layout with weird placements of the arrow keys. Thankfully, Microsoft has addressed the shortcomings of the original ergonomic keyboard wisely. The Microsoft keyboard range includes the Microsoft Internet Keyboard, Internet Keyboard Pro, Natural Keyboard Pro and the Natural Keyboard Elite. All of the products have its own special features, like the 2 USB ports provided by Internet Keyboard Pro and the Natural Keyboard Elite. However the Internet Keyboard I’m reviewing doesn’t have the extra USB ports. |
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Layout. The keyboard has a standard layout with 104 keys. The buttons gives you the soft tactile feel of any quality keyboard on the market today. The feel is just right, for me, with buttons bounced back at just the right force after being pushed. This however depends a lot on individual preference. If you feel that the keyboard is too hard or too soft, then there’s nothing I can do about it. The size of the bottom portion of the buttons are slightly larger than normal, and the keyboard extends about an inch further down, to give comfort for those with small palms. Those with larger palms can get the optional keyboard rest, which extends the keyboard a further couple of inches. Do note that the OEM version doesn’t include the palm rest in the package. The Internet Keyboard uses the PS/2 connection to your PC, all other Microsoft keyboards are USB enabled. If you’re using one of those older Super 7 mobos with AT keyboard connection (like me), just get the PS/2 to AT converter for about RM8. Any computer should have those converters. |
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